Newcastle United hold talks with £40m man spotted at St James' Park v Wolves amid 'absolute priority' claim

Joelinton joined in the post-match celebrations after watching his Newcastle United teammates breeze to a 3-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at St James' Park on Saturday afternoon.

The Brazilian last featured for the Magpies in their Tyne-Wear derby win over Sunderland on January 6 after undergoing thigh surgery. He has spent the early part of his recovery away from the club but was back in attendance to witness United's first home win of 2024.

The 27-year-old watched Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon and Tino Livramento score before making his way down to the tunnel to congratulate Eddie Howe & Co on the win. Fellow Brazilian Bruno Guimaraes was particular pleased to see Joelinton as they shared a hug outside the home dressing room.

Joelinton's re-appearance comes at a time when there is lots of talk surrounding his contract situation. With the midfielder in a race against time to play again this campaign, United boss Eddie Howe recently admitted it was "possibility" he might have played his last game for the club.

He is out-of-contract in 2025 and Newcastle don't want to risk losing him on a free transfer amid Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR). It is why Howe said last week that securing a new long-term contract for Joelinton is an "absolute priority" for him.

“That’s always been in my mind as an absolute priority to try and get him to stay at the club long-term," said Howe. "I see that as hugely important." Following Dan Ashworth's exit as sporting director, Newcastle CEO Darren Eales and co-owners Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi are tasked with negotiations.

Joelinton has scored 25 times and provided 15 assists in 180 appearances since joining in a then £40million club record transfer from Bundesliga side Hoffenheim. He struggled to make an impact as No.9 but the arrival of Howe in November 2021 and his switch into midfield has transformed his career on Tyneside.

The former Rapid Wien loanee was crowed United's 2021-22 Player of the Year before making his Brazil debut last year after helping the club secure Champions League qualification for the first time in 20 years.